Esau Watson Sr.

Esau Watson Sr., 84 of Wheatley, passed away on Friday evening, September 8, at his son's home in Jacksonville.

Esau was born August 29, 1939 in Wheatley, Arkansas to Jessie Watson and Arie Howard-Watson. He was the widower of Rosie Lee Driver-Watson.

Esau was a member of Greater First Baptist Church (First Baptist Church) in Wheatley, where he had formerly served on the Usher Board.

"Bo" as Esau was lovingly known by family and friends, received his formal education from the Wheatley and Brinkley Public Schools. He was a 1958 graduate of Marian Anderson High School in Brinkley.

Esau was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Rosie Lee Driver on October 1, 1960. They spent almost 52 years together before her passing in 2012.

Esau was employed with the city of Brinkley Water Department for more than 25 years before retiring. He had previously been employed with True Temple Lumber Company in Wheatley for more than 20 years.

His beloved Rosie Lee Watson; five brothers: John Henry Watson, Jessie Lee Watson, Robert Watson, Robert Watson, Myles "Sonny" Watson, Henry Watson and J.D. Watson; five sisters: Lavern Watson-Williams, Estella Watson-Osler, Ester Mae Watson-Applewhite, Rovella Watson-Swanigan and Willie Watson-Harris all preceded Esau in death.

Survivors are: his son Esau (Paula) Watson Jr. of Jacksonville, AR; his daughter Essie (Chelc Jr.) Hardin of Little Rock, AR; seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, a great great grandchild, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, in laws and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday evening, September 15 from 6 until 7 PM at Greater First Baptist Church, 119 South Memphis in Wheatley. Funeral Services will be held in Saturday, September 16 at 11 AM at Judah Restoration Worship Center, 2401 South Main Street in Pine Bluff with Bishop Esaw Watson Jr. officiating. Interment will be held on Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM at Pilgrim Rest Cemetery in Wheatley by C.J. Williams Funeral Director and Cremations of Brinkley (870) 589-5036 email: williamsfuneraldirectors2022@yahoo.com  and Web Address: www.williamsfuneraldirectors.net <http://www.williamsfuneraldirectors.net>

Pallbearers are: Corey Linear, Esau Watson III, Stephen Walker, Hosea Thompson, Lewatis Garrett and Marcus Arnold.